Course Introduction

FSP 104 : Crime Scene Investigation

  • Course Outline
  • Curriculum
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  • Case Studies
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    The Crime Scene Investigation plays a very crucial role in the criminal investigation process. Every scene of crime is delicate in nature. Therefore, suitable processing is the most primary requisite in the criminal investigation proceedings. The students will be taught the way to process every crime scene differently. As a matter of fact, outdoor crime scene is much more sensitive and friable in nature, therefore it’s the first and foremost duty of the Investigator to provide ample protection to the crime scene so that all the means of alteration and contamination can be restricted. This condition of providing security to the crime scene is a must for indoor crime scene as well. After securing the crime scene with tapes and barricades, an Investigator should move ahead to the second step of thorough documentation of the crime scene, which involves sketching, photographing, and note-making of the scene of crime by the Investigator. The purpose of documenting is to serve the motive of presenting the evidence and the related facts to the court-room, without hindering the circumstantially related facts.

     

    After a thorough crime scene processing, then comes the task of a sequential collection of the evidence. During the collection and packaging of evidence in order to be sent to the respective laboratory divisions for further analysis, the Investigator should make sure that in doing so he doesn’t cause any cross-contamination to the encountered evidence, as such an act, even if occurred accidentally may lead to poor analysis that may result in inadequate trial and verdict.

     

    The last section of the module is about the major evidence commonly spotted at a crime scene, such as glass, fiber, soil, paint, and tool marks. The students will get to know about nature, the differential value of evidence, their importance as evidence, and the methods and techniques that can be employed to establish their linkage with the scene of crime.

     

    After the course gets completed, the students would be provided with multiple practical sessions, in order to groom and enhance their expertise as an Investigator. Therefore, an urge to learn and explore more would enable the students to be well-equipped with all the nitty-gritties and witty tactics required to be an exceptional Investigator.

  • Level I : Crime Scene Investigation

    MODULE 1 – CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION

    This module of the respective course description includes definition of crime, types of crime scene, securing and recording of crime scene, searching of physical evidence, crime scene survey & recording, Locard’s exchange principle, collection, preservation, and packaging of the evidence, documentation, and presentation of the encountered evidence in the court, processing, and reconstruction of the crime scene.

    The pre-requisites of the course is a criminal investigation, eyewitness identifications, sex crime investigations, homicide investigations, meetings, and interrogations, to attain an understanding of the obligations and duties of a criminal investigator, etc.

    MODULE 2 – PHYSICAL EVIDENCE

    The mode of learning in crime scene investigation will provide sufficient knowledge to develop a student's professional strength. The module comprises the definition and types of evidence, importance of physical, biological, chemical, and testimonial evidence in the court of law. Its nature – fragile or transient evidence and solid or tangible evidence, physical evidence searching methods, role, and importance of photography, evidence supervision – chain of custody, blood splattering analysis, collection, preservation, packing, and forwarding of different types of evidence to the laboratories and admissibility of the evidence.

    MODULE 3 – CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION TECHNIQUES

    The additional significant part of the investigation is “Investigation techniques” in the criminal justice system. In this online course module, students will learn preliminary methods of investigation, methods, and procedures used in a crime scene.

    After completing the course, one can able to investigate and identify such techniques by analyzing criminals & criminal behavior, modus operandi, criminal profiling, portrait parley, polygraphy, narco-analysis, brain fingerprinting, voice stress analysis, and speaker profiling.

    MODULE 4 – FIBER AND HAIR

    The evidentiary value of fiber and hair is very important in cases like burglary and hit and run cases. It may be found on glass, tire, clothes, nails, shoes, etc. In the other aspects of sex offences and harassment cases, it plays a dynamic role to identify and distinguish between the two different individual’s clothes fiber as well as vehicle seat fiber.

    It will demonstrate you to the types and morphology of fibers and hair & their significant importance in crime scene investigation. Microscopic examination of hair and fiber, Comparison between animal and human hair, and their forensic importance will enhance students’ knowledge.

    MODULE 5 – BLOODSTAIN PATTERN ANALYSIS

    The module delivers the knowledge designed for investigators, crime scene technicians, forensic technicians, and others involved in criminal and medico-legal investigations to develop a fundamental knowledge of bloodstain pattern analysis and the practical application of the discipline in casework. This module deals with the investigation and examination of the bloodstain pattern present on any surface with the consideration of numerous techniques like photography, angle of impact measurement, etc. the bloodstain pattern analysis helpful in revealing the type of crime that occurred with the involvement of weapon used.

  • Level II : Crime Scene Investigation

    MODULE 1 – CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION

    This module of the respective course description includes definition of crime, types of crime scene, securing and recording of crime scene, searching of physical evidence, crime scene survey & recording, Locard’s exchange principle, collection, preservation, and packaging of the evidence, documentation, and presentation of the encountered evidence in the court, processing, and reconstruction of the crime scene.

    The pre-requisites of the course are a criminal investigation, eyewitness identifications, sex crime investigations, homicide investigations, meetings, and interrogations, to attain an understanding of the obligations and duties of a criminal investigator, etc.

    MODULE 2 – PHYSICAL EVIDENCE

    The mode of learning in crime scene investigation will provide sufficient knowledge to develop a student's professional strength. The module comprises the definition and types of evidence, importance of physical, biological, chemical, and testimonial evidence in the court of law. Its nature – fragile or transient evidence and solid or tangible evidence, physical evidence searching methods, role, and importance of photography, evidence supervision – chain of custody, blood splattering analysis, collection, preservation, packing, and forwarding of different types of evidence to the laboratories and admissibility of the evidence.

    MODULE 3 – CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION TECHNIQUES

    The additional significant part of the investigation is “Investigation techniques” in the criminal justice system. In this online course module, students will learn preliminary methods of investigation, methods, and procedures used in the crime scene.

    After completing the course, one can able to investigate and identify such techniques by analyzing criminals & criminal behavior, modus operandi, criminal profiling, portrait parley, polygraphy, narco-analysis, brain fingerprinting, voice stress analysis, and speaker profiling.

    MODULE 4 – GLASS EVIDENCE

    Glass evidence can be used for manifold tracing evidence like blood, fingerprints, and broken glasses. It is very valuable evidence at a scene of crime to conclude the nature of crime. The fragment of glass regularly encountered at the scene of crime. The composition and features of every glass are different like window glass, bottle, crystal, lead, etc. and can help to reach opinion in some specific hit and run and other cases.

    This module would introduce you to glass as evidence- its definition and classification, types of glass fractures like cone-fracture, hackle marks, Concentric, radial fractures, and heat fractures, caused by projectiles. Forensic examination of glass by different ways like - the mechanical fit, glass particle comparisons, refractive index and dispersion, density determinations using plummet and balance, density determinations using a density meter, product considerations, elemental analysis of glass, and other related examinations such as color and fluorescence, physical matching and measurements, density comparison, refractive index by refractometer.

    MODULE 5 – SOIL EVIDENCE

    The science of soil introduces and acquaints the students with an ability to answer the legal criminal cases by familiarizing them with the significance and utility of soil as evidence in criminal investigations.

    The structure of the module will explain you to the formation and types of soil, composition, and color of soil, particle size distribution and analytical examination of soil, density distribution of particles, mineral analysis, chemical analysis, density gradient analysis & ignition loss, differential thermal analysis & elemental analysis, interpretation of soil evidence.

    MODULE 6 – FIBER AND HAIR

    The evidentiary value of fiber and hair is very important in cases like burglary and hit and run cases. It may be found on glass, tire, clothes, nails, shoes, etc. In the other aspects of sex offences and harassment cases, it plays a dynamic role to identify and distinguish between the two different individual’s clothes fiber as well as vehicle seat fiber.

    It will demonstrate you to the types and morphology of fibers and hair & their significant importance in crime scene investigation. Microscopic examination of hair and fiber, Comparison between animal and human hair, and their forensic importance will enhance students’ knowledge.

    MODULE 7 – BLOODSTAIN PATTERN ANALYSIS

    The module delivers the knowledge designed for investigators, crime scene technicians, forensic technicians, and others involved in criminal and medico-legal investigations to develop a fundamental knowledge of bloodstain pattern analysis and the practical application of the discipline in casework. This module deals with the investigation and examination of the bloodstain pattern present on any surface with the consideration of numerous techniques like photography, angle of impact measurement, etc. the bloodstain pattern analysis helpful in revealing the type of crime that occurred with the involvement of weapon used.

  • Level III : Crime Scene Investigation

    MODULE 1 – CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION

    This module of the respective course description includes a definition of crime, types of crime scene, securing and recording of crime scene, searching of physical evidence, crime scene survey & recording, Locard’s exchange principle, collection, preservation, and packaging of the evidence, documentation, and presentation of the encountered evidence in the court, processing, and reconstruction of the crime scene.

    The pre-requisites of the course is a criminal investigation, eyewitness identifications, sex crime investigations, homicide investigations, meetings, and interrogations, to attain an understanding of the obligations and duties of a criminal investigator, etc.

    MODULE 2 – PHYSICAL EVIDENCE

    The mode of learning in crime scene investigation will provide sufficient knowledge to develop a student's professional strength. The module comprises the definition and types of evidence, importance of physical, biological, chemical, and testimonial evidence in the court of law. Its nature – fragile or transient evidence and solid or tangible evidence, physical evidence searching methods, role, and importance of photography, evidence supervision – chain of custody, blood splattering analysis, collection, preservation, packing, and forwarding of different types of evidence to the laboratories and admissibility of the evidence.

    MODULE 3 – CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION TECHNIQUES

    The additional significant part of the investigation is “Investigation techniques” in the criminal justice system. In this online course module, students will learn preliminary methods of investigation, methods, and procedures used in a crime scene.

    After completing the course, one can able to investigate and identify such techniques by analyzing criminals & criminal behavior, modus operandi, criminal profiling, portrait parley, polygraphy, narco-analysis, brain fingerprinting, voice stress analysis, and speaker profiling.

    MODULE 4 – GLASS EVIDENCE

    Glass evidence can be used for manifold tracing evidence like blood, fingerprints, and broken glasses. It is very valuable evidence at a scene of crime to conclude the nature of crime. The fragment of glass regularly encountered at the scene of crime. The composition and features of every glass are different like window glass, bottle, crystal, lead, etc. and can help to reach opinion in some specific hit and run and other cases.

    This module would introduce you to glass as evidence- its definition and classification, types of glass fractures like cone-fracture, hackle marks, Concentric, radial fractures, and heat fractures, caused by projectiles. Forensic examination of glass by different ways like - the mechanical fit, glass particle comparisons, refractive index and dispersion, density determinations using plummet and balance, density determinations using a density meter, product considerations, elemental analysis of glass, and other related examinations such as color and fluorescence, physical matching and measurements, density comparison, refractive index by refractometer.

    MODULE 5 – SOIL EVIDENCE

    The science of soil introduces and acquaints the students with an ability to answer the legal criminal cases by familiarizing them with the significance and utility of soil as evidence in criminal investigations.

    The structure of the module will explain you to the formation and types of soil, composition, and color of soil, particle size distribution and analytical examination of soil, density distribution of particles, mineral analysis, chemical analysis, density gradient analysis & ignition loss, differential thermal analysis & elemental analysis, interpretation of soil evidence.

    MODULE 6 – PAINT EVIDENCE

    In the forensic investigation, paint is a very commonly encountered evidence, especially in cases like burglary, hit-and-run cases, etc. The module describes the fundamentals of paint, in the manner that types of paint and their composition, paint chemistry, resinous vehicles, automotive finishes, macroscopic and microscopic studies, pigment distribution, micro-chemical and instrumental analysis – solubility test, pyrolysis chromatographic techniques, TLC, IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and interpretation of paint evidence examination.

    MODULE 7 – TOOL MARKS AND OTHER IMPRESSIONS

    This is very frequently encountered evidence in burglary cases. The tool marks trace evidence contain patterns left on the objects at crime scene, as the tool marks forms a link to complete the chain of custody in criminal cases. It is also possible to detect the authentication of the tool with the help of its trace marks.

    Module is structured in a defined manner as it first introduces to the types of tool marks: impression marks, striated marks, cutting marks, slicing marks, pinching marks, and fractured marks. Recovery and collection of the evidence deal with the documentation, collection, and preservation of the evidence. Restoration of erased/obliterated marks, method of marking – cast, punch, engrave, methods of obliteration, method of restoration-etching (etchings for different metals), magnetic, electrolytic, etc., recording of restored marks – restoration of marks on wood, leather, polymer, etc are included in this module.

    MODULE 8 – FIBER AND HAIR

    The evidentiary value of fiber and hair is very important in cases like burglary and hit and run cases. It may be found on glass, tire, clothes, nails, shoes, etc. In the other aspects of sex offences and harassment cases, it plays a dynamic role to identify and distinguish between the two different individual’s clothes fiber as well as vehicle seat fiber.

    It will demonstrate you to the types and morphology of fibers and hair & their significant importance in crime scene investigation. Microscopic examination of hair and fiber, Comparison between animal and human hair, and their forensic importance will enhance students’ knowledge.

    MODULE 9 – BLOODSTAIN PATTERN ANALYSIS

    The module delivers the knowledge designed for investigators, crime scene technicians, forensic technicians, and others involved in criminal and medico-legal investigations to develop a fundamental knowledge of bloodstain pattern analysis and the practical application of the discipline in casework. This module deals with the investigation and examination of the bloodstain pattern present on any surface with the consideration of numerous techniques like photography, angle of impact measurement, etc. the bloodstain pattern analysis helpful in revealing the type of crime that occurred with the involvement of weapon used.

  • What is Crime Scene Investigation?

    In the course Crime Scene Investigation, the students will be acquainted with the procedure of handling and managing a crime scene. The students will be taught and made familiar with the basics to be followed at a crime scene from searching of the scene to the proper packaging of the encountered evidences. A practical hand on a mock crime scene would shape the students and enhance their abilities as a crime scene investigator.

  • How can I become a Crime Scene Investigator?

    The course is professionally designed to deliver the learner, insights of the crime scene in real. The lucidity of a Crime Scene Investigator is rightfully delivered by the course and learner can pursue the same in near future. 

  • What are the responsibilities of a Crime Scene Investigator?

    The gen about the identification and collection of evidence is fulfilled by a Crime Scene Investigator assisting the Police Officials. The keen observations for the necessary evidence to build up the links of the case are delivered by the Crime Scene Investigator on duty.

  • What are the scope and the opportunistic aspects of the course?

    You may avail opportunities as a Crime Scene Investigator in the Forensic Science Laboratories of Central as well as various State Government Labs. You can also practice as an independent investigator rendering his services to the corporate sectors and private bodies.

  • Where can I contact in case of any queries?

    You can write to us at education@sifs.in or call us at +91-1147074263 or WhatsApp us +91-7303913002 or +91-7303913003.

    The Atlanta Child Murders

    In a two year period between 1979 and 1981, 29 people — almost all children — were strangled by a serial killer. Police staked out a local river where other bodies had been dumped and arrested Wayne Williams as he was driving away from the sound of a splash in an area where a body was recovered a couple of days later. Police didn’t witness him drop the body, so their case was based largely on forensic evidence gathered from fibers found on the victims. In all, there were nearly 30 types of fiber linked to items from Williams’ house, his vehicles, and even his dog. In 1982, he was convicted of killing two adult victims and sentenced to life in prison, although the Atlanta police announced that Williams was responsible for at least 22 of the child murders

     

    Jeffrey MacDonald

    Early in the morning of February 17, 1970, the family of Army doctor Jeffrey MacDonald was attacked, leaving the doctor’s pregnant wife and two young daughters dead from multiple stab wounds. MacDonald himself was injured by what he claimed to be four suspects, but he survived with only minor wounds. Doubt was immediately cast on the doctor’s story, based on the physical evidence on the scene that suggested that he was the killer. However, the Army dropped the case because of the poor quality of the investigative techniques. Several years later, though, MacDonald was brought to trial in a civilian court. Key evidence was provided by a forensic scientist who testified that the doctor’s pajama top, which he claimed to have used to ward off the killers, had 48 smooth, clean holes — too smooth for such a volatile attack. Furthermore, the scientist noted that if the top was folded, the 48 holes could easily have been created by 21 thrusts — the exact number of times that MacDonald’s wife had been stabbed. The holes even matched the pattern of her wounds, suggesting that the pajama top had been laid on her before during the stabbing and not used in self-defense by the doctor. This crime scene reconstruction was crucial in MacDonald’s conviction in 1979. He was sentenced to life in prison for the three murders.

Dahir Mohamed Dahir

5

I would like to let you know that I am truly happy for the kind of effort and sessions that you have subjected me into during my studies, am truly confident that the knowledge that I acquired during my studies is going be a game-changer when I go back to my country (Somalia). I will be truly indebted to such a significant course.

Thank you so much for inspiring us to extraordinary heights in life. I would extend my gratitude to Dr. Ranjeet Singh and the entire team of SIFS INDIA for their efforts.

Mogakolodi Boikanyo

5

The course was very interesting and knowledgeable, helped a lot in knowing new things. 

Glad to be a part of this course and SIFS INDIA!!

Sutirthaa Ghosh

4

It is amazing, knowledgeable course. 

Femin Dominic

5

It is an interesting and informative course with very clear insights. The instructors are of great help in case of any doubts. 

Devika Dileep

5

Very good effort to impart knowledge and good content. 

 

Instructors

Arti Varshney

Arti Varshney

Scientific Officer
Dr. Ranjeet Singh

Dr. Ranjeet Singh

Managing Director
Jyoti Verma

Jyoti Verma

Forensic Instructor
Yogesh Kumar

Yogesh Kumar

Senior Scientific Officer

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